ED / SVP, Head of Front Office Onboarding, Private Banking, Consumer Banking Gro

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's capital position, as well as "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named "Asia's Best Bank" by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and "Best Bank in Asia-Pacific" by Global Finance. The bank has also been named "Safest Bank in Asia" by Global Finance for seven consecutive years from 2009 to 2015.

Business Function

DBS' Private Banking offers a one-stop, full-service touch-point for total banking requirements and provides the highest level of personalized banking. We have a team of dedicated, experienced investment advisors who identify opportunities in the various asset classes and employ the best strategies and product vehicles to cater to each client's needs. Coupled with partnerships within the DBS network and with global institutions, we strive to build long-term relationships with our Private Banking clients in Asia by providing them with high quality, timely and extensive wealth management, investment and financial solutions.

The Head of Front Office Onboarding is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the end-to-end client onboarding of clients, ensuring submissions are in line with KYC requirements, as well as timely account opening in close coordination with the support and control teams. This includes driving operational excellence, fostering strong collaboration across various stakeholders. You will also lead initiatives to enhance turnaround time and efficiency, mitigate risk, and contribute to the development and implementation of best-in-class onboarding practices, policies and systems.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Oversight:

2. Set the strategic vision and long-term goals for the Front Office client onboarding function, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

3. Oversee the end-to-end client onboarding process for cases submitted, from prospect onboarding advisory to account opening, facilitating compliance with bank requirements and timely opening of accounts

4. KYC and Compliance Management:

5. Oversee the preparation of client/case profiles and guide Front Office teams in obtaining required corroboration and information for KYC.

6. Oversee the KYC write-up process, identifying areas for clarification and ensuring adequate follow-up with clients and closure prior to KYC submission.
7. Facilitate joint discussions with Front Office and KYC teams to ensure timely and informed case decisions.
8. Manage reworks resolution to facilitate efficient account opening.
9. Coordinate with KYC team who will be providing KYC training to the Front Office Onboarding team to ensure deep understanding of the KYC requirements

10. Stay updated on evolving KYC/AML process and regulations and ensure strict adherence to local and international laws, ensuring adherence to the processes and policies.

11. Collaboration and Communication:

12. Champion the sharing of best KYC practices through huddles with various market regions and teams, driving continuous improvement in quality.

13. Improve collaboration between units and departments to streamline and facilitate the account opening process.
14. Act as a primary liaison with Front Office, support and compliance teams, and other internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex gaps or discrepancies in the onboarding process.
15. Engage proactively the respective Managers in Front Office and Support team when needed to resolve issues / improve processes or practices

16. Provide authoritative advice and guidance to internal teams on regulatory requirements and best practices related to client onboarding.

17. Data Management, Reporting, and Analytics:

18. Direct the analysis of data to track and report on the progress and efficiency of the onboarding pipeline, risk trends, and recurring KYC issues, and ensure actions are triggered to ensure adequate progression of the cases

19. Align key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for the onboarding process with the KYC and operations team, using data-driven insights to make strategic decisions.

20. Process Improvement and Innovation:

21. Identify systemic inefficiencies in the onboarding process and proactively propose and implement significant enhancements and solutions.

22. Lead and contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and systems, leveraging technology and automation where possible.

23. Drive initiatives for digital transformation within the onboarding function to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.

24. Team Leadership and Development:

25. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of onboarding specialists, fostering a high-performance culture.

26. Manage team performance, conduct regular reviews, and provide opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
27. Responsible for resource allocation and management within the onboarding team to ensure optimal productivity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Business, Law, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of extensive experience in KYC, AML, and/or client onboarding within private banking or financial services, with a significant portion in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g., MAS guidelines, FATCA, CRS)
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams, drive strategic initiatives, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Certifications in AML such as Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or International Association Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering would be a significant advantage.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels.
• Proficiency with KYC software, databases, banking systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau).
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements and drive operational excellence.

Apply Now

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the professional advantages of a dynamic environment that supports your development and recognises your achievements.